Adam Copeland fulfilled a long-time ambition on Saturday night during Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling’s (MLP) event, Northern Rising, at the iconic Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto. As a child, Copeland attended his first wrestling match at this venue. Despite his WWE tenure, he never performed there due to the organization shifting events to larger arenas.
Recently, a collaboration between Maple Leaf Wrestling and All Elite Wrestling (AEW) allowed Copeland to make his MLP debut. He faced Steve Maclin, a prominent free agent and former U.S. Marine-turned-wrestler, who had been eager to challenge Copeland. Maclin heightened anticipation by making a bold move on AEW “Dynamite” ahead of the event.
Copeland vs. Maclin: A Street Fight for the Ages
At Northern Rising, Copeland showcased his legendary talent in a street fight against Maclin. The 52-year-old executed a series of daring moves, suplexing Maclin onto a ladder and performing a splash off the top turnbuckle, sending Maclin through a table outside the ring. Maclin delivered a powerful suplex of his own, creating several intense moments throughout the match.
Deonna Purrazzo, Maclin’s wife and Ring of Honor Pure Women’s Champion, interfered, attacking Copeland and the referee. Wrestling legend Rhino intervened, balancing the odds by spearing both Maclin and Purrazzo. Copeland regained the advantage, executing a spear from the ramp down the aisle and securing victory with another spear.
After the match, Copeland acknowledged Maclin’s talent and expressed his joy at performing in Maple Leaf Gardens.
MLP and AEW Championships Staged
Prior to Copeland’s match, Josh Alexander contended with Stu Grayson for the Undisputed MLP Canadian Championship. Grayson, the interim champion, faced Alexander, who still considered himself the titleholder despite a knee injury-related absence. The encounter centered around strategic maneuvers with Grayson seeking momentum through a top-rope maneuver and Alexander leveraging outside interference to clinch victory.
Priscilla Kelly retained her MLP Canadian Women’s Championship against Nikki Storm. Kelly dominated from the outset, executing a dropkick and multiple kicks, successfully defending her title, which she won in September.
Another match featured Andrade El Idolo against Rohan Raja for the AEW National Championship. Despite Raja’s recent trajectory in “Mayhem,” Andrade exhibited superior prowess, culminating in a handshake of mutual respect post-match.
New Champions Crowned in Tag Team Division
The Grizzled Young Veterans, James Drake and Zack Gibson, captured the MLP Canadian Tag Team Championship from 1st Faction, comprising Brent Banks and Sheldon Jean. Sinner & Saints seemed poised for victory, but interference turned the tide in favor of Grizzled Young Veterans, marking them as the third tag team champions since MLP’s resurgence.
Other Notable Highlights
Jonathan Gresham triumphed over Tarik and Vaughn Vertigo. Rudra defeated Jonny DeLuca, whereas Luigi Primo, El Reverso, and Mo Jabari overcame Johnny Parisi, Gama Singh Jr., and Michael Allen Richard Clark. Máscara Dorada and Subculture secured a win against TJP, Johnny TV, and Gabriel Fuerza, and Alice Crowley along with Jody Threat prevailed against Kinsley and Alexia Nicole. Finally, Psycho Mike outlasted Dan Maff and Crazzy Steve.
Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor at Fox News Digital.
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